Beware boat ads

Don S/V ILLusion · Jan 6, 2011

Sorry to say your experience isn't unique unfortunately. One of the best opportunities this forum affords is the opportunity to ask fellow sailors who may live nearby a prospective purchase to give it a quick once-over to verify the advertised condition before traveling long distances as you did.

I know of a few instances here where people have asked if anyone in a certain area would be able to take a look and received a few positive responses.

Not that this helps you but may help you and others in the future.

kloudie1 · Jan 6, 2011

MAN.. bummer.. I think I'd change brokers too.. Should be some fine stuff available much nearer.. Charleston, Sc., Brunswick, Ga.. Pickwick Lake,Etc..
(your lesson was cheaper than some I have participated in!)
Good Luck, Bonzai..

Bill1565 · Jan 6, 2011

Sorry to hear about your problem. I bought a 15 foot Whaler off E-Bay and couldn't have been more pleased. I have tho had brokers virtually kidnap us to show us boats we told him we weren't interested. I guess checking out brokers is the key.

tommays · Jan 6, 2011

I would like to know which wonderfull broker did this

BUT i am not supprise as the pictures are offen old

I gotta say i sold my J24 and 19' powerboat in 2010 and the buyers behavior was left a LOT to be desired on both boats

Alex Dare · Jan 6, 2011

mini survey

Another good option, at least for boats in a price range that warrants it, is to contact a local (to the boat) surveyor to do a quick once over. This way you have a (hopefully) professional and independent assessment and can make an informed decision at that point if you want to proceed further. In most cases the surveyor will cut you a break on the full survey price should you decide to move on with the sale. Friends and marina buddies are great but often a trained eye can spot deal killers (major issues) before you invest time, travel and emotional commitment to a boat.

Tim R. · Jan 6, 2011

BTDT.

When I sold my 1985 Ericson 35 last year I took many very detailed photos of the boat that included any flaws. I also listed things I thought the boat needed. The 2 lookers who came the first weekend were both traveling a decent distance. They were both ready to make offers.

I think prepairing them for what they were traveling for was important. I have made many trips and it doesn't matter how many times you ask certain brokers, you will still get the wrong answer. And since when did it become so difficult to take current photos.

BTW, I sold my boat privately and it was for more than any Ericson had sold on YW for a few years. My new boat I also bought privately. So much easier.

If you find anything in my neck of the woods I would be more than happy to go take a look and send you a cd with many 12mp photos. These are great because you can zoom in on any detail. I have done this a few times in the past and it worked out very well for the prospective buyers.

Warren Milberg · Jan 6, 2011

Brokers and online buying

Brokers are like people: some are good, some are not. The good news is that even though you spent a lot of time and money to go see this boat, you were able to back out in time. I keep seeing horror stories about people who saw, and bought, boats online (i.e., eBay) and then found themselves owning a dog -- or worse. And, some of you may recall that I recently posted a note here about a broker in Rock Hall, Md, who had captured two pictures of me sailing my boat and used those images to try to sell a similar model boat. In the end, it's always caveat emptor....

kenn · Jan 6, 2011

There needs to be a special hell for sellers who misrepresent their boats, especially those who use pictures of OTHER boats in their ads. Grrr.

higgs · Jan 6, 2011

I hope you let your broker and the seller know you felt they were not being up front with you.

RAD · Jan 6, 2011

Was the broker from NY? if so what was his name so others stay away from that sleaze ball...sorry you had such a bad time in the Big Apple and too bad you didn't take pictures of the wreck and then tell the broker your going to sue for fraud.....I'm sure that would of rattled his cage

higgs · Jan 6, 2011

I think that one of the services sites like this provide is to make dishonest practices transparent. I would encourage you to name the broker and the link to the sailboat's ad. You may save someone else the hassle you went through.

rpwillia · Jan 6, 2011

Dare we say which brokers are good?

When we bought our 310 the broker we had was excellent. Gave us advice and steered us to the boat we have now. I see him and chat with him all the time at boat shows.

gpd955 · Jan 6, 2011

If you are looking up in the northeast, I (and a few of my dockmates) would be happy to "survey" one for you if you need it. We are always up for a roadtrip!

wonkodsane · Jan 7, 2011

kenn said:
There needs to be a special hell for sellers who misrepresent their boats, especially those who use pictures of OTHER boats in their ads. Grrr.

There is, sort of. The eighth circle is where you'll find the fraudsters. The question is which bolgia? Seventh or tenth? Wikipedia Article: Dante's Inferno I would argue tenth, but only because then it would be fun to pick out which disease they'd have.

mark_swart · Jan 7, 2011

Man that really sucks, I remember your earlier thread and it sounded like you had found something good. No boat I have ever purchased looked as good as the ad, that's for sure. Haha, and online ads just don't represent things like odor and moisture!
If you find anything in the greater Norfolk/Hampton/Williamsburg area that you need a look at, I'd be happy to do a flyby. I like nosing around in boats...